Kristian Matte could have retired on top, following a Grey Cup championship in 2023, sailing off into the sunset knowing little remained to be accomplished.
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Instead, the veteran Alouettes offensive lineman has decided the time is now to proceed with the next chapter in his life. And if it can be argued he stuck around one year too long, given the way last season played out — between injuries to his calf and hand while losing his starting position — Matte exits with his head high and without regrets.
“What makes football so special, at the end of the year and the playoffs, it’s one game,” Matte said Monday afternoon, during an Olympic Stadium news conference in which he officially announced his retirement. “Every year, everyone has a chance to win every last game that they have. The question of coming back … I still wanted to play. The high, the feeling I had after winning that Grey Cup, I felt like I’d had a good year and still had more to give.
“The 2024 season, for me, was something out of the ordinary … having the injuries. I came into training camp excited. One week in something gets aggravated and it gets worse from there. You can’t have any regrets in life. I’m very proud and happy of what I’ve done, with all the decisions I’ve made. We don’t just play this game to win championships. It’s about the people, the fun you have doing it. The last five years has been the most fun I’ve had. I wanted to keep playing.”
The St-Hubert native spent 14 seasons in the CFL, all with the Als after being selected in the first round (seventh overall) in 2010 out of Concordia University. Only former quarterback Anthony Calvillo and guard Scott Flory spent more time with Montreal.
Matte joined the Als in 2010 after attending mini-camp with the NFL’s Houston Texans and, although he played sparingly as a rookie, was part of Montreal’s cup title that season. He played 190 games with the Als, mostly at centre or guard. Along with the two Grey Cups, Matte was an East Division all-star in 2019 and ’21.
He lasted long enough to see the resurgence of the franchise after the team missed the playoffs four consecutive seasons, starting in 2015.
“I experienced the good, the bad and everything in between,” Matte said during an eloquent — and emotional — bilingual retirement speech during which he thanked his teammates, opponents, parents, brother, in-laws and fans. He became particularly sentimental when addressing his wife, Melissa, and children Zackary, 9, and Ellison, 7.
Matte spent three decades playing the game, starting as a running back. He also played middle linebacker and even had a stint at quarterback because he could throw farther than the starter. It was during his second year at Vanier College that he made the transition to the offensive line.
“It wasn’t pretty, but it paid off,” said the 6-foot-4, 296 pounder. “I was always told to reach for the stars. I learned to be patient and work hard. I embraced the journey and the moments. I kept finding ways to love this beautiful game, but it’s time to start a new chapter. I never imagined I’d have such a nice career, and I accomplished everything I wanted to.
“Hoisting the Grey Cup over my head is one of the highlights of my career. Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain, the Als’ offensive-line coach and Matte’s former teammate, said he was most impressed by the player’s reliability and toughness, remembering one game against Edmonton during which Matte played the final three quarters with a fractured foot.
“He showed up every game and would go from the first to last snap,” Brodeur-Jourdain said. “Players get hurt. Some of us still stand up and go back. Others just leave. He has been so reliable his whole career. You’re reliability is your availability. Last season was his first challenge for himself. At the very respectful age of 39, what he has been able to achieve in a CFL career where you’re in the trenches, is quite impressive.”
Matte said he’s most proud of the length of his career and that it was spent with one organization — an anomaly in the CFL. General manager Danny Maciocia said Matte probably could have made more money elsewhere as a free agent, but remained loyal to the Als.
Matte hopes to remain involved in the game in some capacity. He wants to keep his options open and hasn’t approached Maciocia about future employment.